The wait of Mumbaikars for metro services in the city came to an end when Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan flagged off the first service from Versova Station in the western suburb on Sunday. (BCCL)

The launch of the metro services was, however, not without controversy as Chavan had on Saturday said that he will inaugurate the services only if MMOPL (Mumbai Metro One Pvt Ltd) adheres to the state government-notified fares. But, later on he agreed to flag-off the service. (BCCL)

The operator fixed a minimum fare of Rs 10 and a maximum of Rs 40 for a one way journey, going against the Maharashtra government's notified fare band of Rs 9-13, citing cost escalation in the three-phase project, work on which began eight years ago. (BCCL)